Chapters 15-16, Ordinary People Summary

Chapter 15. Beth's parents arrive on Christmas Day. Cal is noticing visible changes in Conrad; his eyes seem brighter. Conrad's father and grandfather surprise him with a car. Conrad says he likes it and takes it for a drive, but Cal is disappointed in his lack of reaction and sulks the rest of the day. That evening he and Beth argue again: it starts over Conrad's reaction to the car, but then other topics like Beth's lingering anger over the trip and Cal's obsession with Conrad's behavior creep in. Even in the middle of their fight he can't help but notice how beautiful she is. He decides they are both grieving, but rather than bringing them together, their grief is breaking them apart.

Chapter 16. In January, Conrad decides to bring some order to his life by making a...